Gingival-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell from Rabbit ( Oryctolagus cuniculus ): Isolation, Culture, and Characterization

Objective This study aims to confirm whether the GDMSCs isolated from rabbit’s ( Oryctolagus cuniculus ) gingiva are mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Materials and Methods This study design was partly quasi-experimental with an observational design. GDMSCs were isolated from the gingiva of healthy male rabbits ( O. cuniculus ) ( n = 2), 6 months old, and 3 to 5 kg of body weight. The specific cell surface markers of MSCs; clusters of differentiation (CD), namely, CD44, CD73, CD90, CD105, and CD200 expressions; and hematopoietic stem cell surface markers CD34 and CD45 were examined using flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry with immunofluorescence. The osteogenic differentiation of isolated GDMSCs was examined using alizarin red staining. Results GDMSCs in the fourth passage showed a spindle-like formation and fibroblast-like cells that attached to the base of the culture plate. GDMSCs were MSCs that positively expressed CD44, CD73, CD90, CD105, and CD200 but did not express CD34 and CD45 when examined using flow cytometry and immunohistochemical analysis. GDMSCs had osteogenic differentiation confirmed by calcified deposits in vitro with a red–violet and brownish color after alizarin red staining. Conclusion GDMSCs isolated from the rabbits ( O. cuniculus ) were confirmed as MSCs in vitro documented using immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry. GDMSCs can differentiate into osteogenic lineage in vitro that may be suitable for regenerative dentistry.